Beauty is more than skin deep. It’s also a reflection of our values, our choices, and our impact on the planet. In 2023, the beauty industry is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by consumers who demand more sustainable, ethical, and innovative products and practices. In this article, we’ll explore how the cult of beauty is shaping the future of sustainability, and what it means for you as a beauty lover.
The Rise of Sustainable Beauty
Sustainable beauty is not a new concept, but it has gained momentum in recent years, as more people become aware of the environmental and social challenges facing the world. According to a report by McKinsey, the global cosmetics market is expected to reach $580 billion by 2027, growing by 6 percent a year. However, this growth comes at a cost: the beauty industry is responsible for generating millions of tons of plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and biodiversity loss every year.
To address these issues, many beauty brands and consumers are embracing sustainable beauty, which involves using products that are made with natural, organic, and eco-friendly ingredients, as well as using eco-friendly packaging and reducing waste. Sustainable beauty also emphasizes the importance of ethical sourcing, fair trade, animal welfare, and social responsibility. According to a survey by Euromonitor, 54 percent of consumers consider sustainability a key factor when buying beauty products.
Some of the trends that are shaping the sustainable beauty movement in 2023 include:
- Circular beauty: This refers to the idea of creating a closed-loop system, where products are designed to be reused, recycled, or composted, and where waste is minimized or eliminated. For example, some brands offer refillable or reusable packaging, or use biodegradable or recycled materials. Others use upcycled ingredients, such as coffee grounds, fruit peels, or flowers, to create new products.
- Clean beauty: This refers to the idea of using products that are free of harmful chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. Clean beauty products are also formulated to be gentle, effective, and safe for the skin, the health, and the environment. Some brands use certifications, such as EWG Verified or COSMOS Organic, to verify their claims and standards.
- Plant-based beauty: This refers to the idea of using products that are derived from plants, such as botanical extracts, oils, or essences. Plant-based beauty products are often vegan, cruelty-free, and organic, and offer benefits such as hydration, nourishment, and protection. Some brands use innovative technologies, such as biotechnology or fermentation, to create plant-based alternatives to animal-derived ingredients, such as collagen, keratin, or silk.
- Personalized beauty: This refers to the idea of using products that are tailored to the individual needs, preferences, and goals of each consumer. Personalized beauty products are often customized, such as through online quizzes, DNA tests, or skin analysis, or adaptive, such as through smart devices, apps, or sensors. Personalized beauty products aim to deliver optimal results, satisfaction, and convenience for each consumer.
The Influence of the Cult of Beauty
The cult of beauty is a term that describes the phenomenon of people who are obsessed with beauty, and who seek to achieve the highest standards of physical attractiveness, often influenced by social media, celebrities, or influencers. The cult of beauty can have positive or negative effects on people’s self-esteem, mental health, and well-being, depending on how they perceive and pursue beauty.
In 2023, the cult of beauty is also having an impact on the sustainability movement, as more people are looking for ways to express their values, identity, and creativity through their beauty choices. Some of the ways that the cult of beauty is influencing sustainability include:
- Educating and inspiring consumers: Many influential figures in the beauty and entertainment industry are using their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for sustainability issues, such as climate change, plastic pollution, animal rights, or social justice. For example, Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gisele Bündchen, and Pharrell Williams are some of the celebrities who have supported various environmental causes and campaigns. Similarly, many beauty influencers, such as Jen Atkin, Caroline Hirons, or Huda Kattan, are sharing their tips, reviews, and recommendations on sustainable beauty products and practices with their followers.
- Innovating and disrupting the market: Many independent and emerging brands are challenging the status quo and creating cutting-edge sustainable beauty products that appeal to the cult of beauty. For example, some of the brands that have launched innovative sustainable beauty products in 2023 include:
- Ganni x Submission Beauty: This collaboration between the Danish fashion brand and the British glitter brand offers biodegradable and vegan glitter that can be used on the face, body, or hair. The glitter is made from plant cellulose and comes in a variety of colors and shapes
- Sangre de Fruta: This Canadian brand offers luxurious and organic skincare products that are made with upcycled and local ingredients, such as cedar greens, lavender, or rose. The products are also packaged in refillable glass bottles and jars.
- La Bouche Rouge: This French brand offers high-end and eco-friendly makeup products, such as lipsticks, highlighters, and eyeshadows, that are made with natural and vegan ingredients, and are free of microplastics, silicones, or parabens. The products are also packaged in refillable and recyclable cases, made from leather, metal, or wood.
The Future of Sustainable Beauty
Sustainable beauty is not a trend, but a necessity, as the beauty industry and consumers face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. As the demand for responsible beauty grows, harvesting natural ingredients well, with communities and nature in mind, will be vital. The good news is that sustainable, ethical beauty – beauty that makes the world a better place – is set to surge, from $34.5 billion in 2018 to $54.5 billion in 2027.
To succeed in the future of sustainable beauty, brands and consumers will need to:
- Embrace diversity and inclusivity: Sustainable beauty is not only about the environment, but also about the people. Brands and consumers will need to celebrate and respect the diversity and uniqueness of each individual, regardless of their skin color, age, gender, or culture. Brands and consumers will also need to support and empower the communities and workers who are involved in the production and supply chain of beauty products, ensuring fair wages, safe conditions, and human rights.
- Adopt a holistic and circular approach: Sustainable beauty is not only about the products, but also about the practices. Brands and consumers will need to adopt a holistic and circular approach, where they consider the entire life cycle and impact of their beauty choices, from the sourcing and manufacturing, to the packaging and distribution, to the usage and disposal. Brands and consumers will also need to reduce their consumption and waste, and reuse, recycle, or compost their beauty products and packaging, whenever possible.
- Innovate and collaborate: Sustainable beauty is not only about the present, but also about the future. Brands and consumers will need to innovate and collaborate, using new technologies, materials, and methods, to create and discover new solutions and opportunities for sustainable beauty. Brands and consumers will also need to share and learn from each other, creating a network and a community of sustainable beauty enthusiasts and advocates.
Sustainable beauty is not a fad, but a movement, that is changing the face of beauty and sustainability in 2023 and beyond. As a beauty lover, you have the power and the responsibility to make a difference, by choosing and using beauty products and practices that are good for you, and good for the planet. What are your thoughts on sustainable beauty? What are your favorite sustainable beauty products and practices? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. Together, we can make the world a more beautiful and sustainable place.
